Legal Help Desk

On June 1, 2011 The “Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act” went into effect. Below are answers to
frequently asked questions about the civil union law and what it means for Illinoisans.

This fact sheet is designed to ensure that students have access in their school libraries to LGBTQ materials (information related to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals and those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity).

Almost thirty years after the first cases of infection by the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported,
ignorance and fear about HIV and bias against people affected
by HIV continue to fuel stigma and discrimination in this
country.

On November 2, the marriage equality movement suffered a
blow. Well-funded antigay groups succeeded in ousting from
office three well-respected Iowa Supreme Court justices who
were up for what should have been routine retention elections.

Lambda Legal is the leading national legal organization dedicated to achieving full civil rights for LGBT people and people with HIV. Our high-impact cases and educational programs continue to secure new and expanded legal protections and amplify our message about equality.

On September 22, 2010, the Third District Court of Appeal issued a unanimous decision declaring that Florida's law prohibiting gay men and lesbians from adopting children is unconstitutional. See [Florida Dep't of Children and Families v. In re: Matter of Adoption of X.X.G. and N.R.G. (September 22, 2010)]. The State of Florida announced that it will not appeal that decision to the Florida Supreme Court. We have received several questions about what this case means for gay men and lesbians who want to adopt.

Please take note: On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. For information about how this development may potentially affect married same-sex couples' federal taxes, click here.

Every year for two decades, the
National LGBT Bar Association has bestowed
its highest honor, the Dan Bradley Award, on
a member of the LGBT legal community who
has made an outstanding contribution to the
advancement of LGBT rights and those of people
living with HIV.

As a result of vast improvements in HIV treatment, more and more people with HIV are reaching retirement
and enjoying the “golden years” that lie beyond. Sadly, however, some are facing discrimination as they seek
living arrangements and long-term care services suitable for seniors.